Berry Beautiful Italian Lavender

Berry Beautiful Italian Lavender (Lavandula stoechas 'Berry Beautiful') is a dwarf lavender, only 30cm to 40cm high and wide. Dark purple flowers sit on long, showy, paler purple tufts, held well clear of the narrow grey foliage. It is heat and drought tolerant, happiest in dry climates, and small enough for any pot.

Why you'll love it

• Tiny but showy. At 30cm to 40cm it fits the smallest bed, balcony pot or window box without losing impact.
• Flowers held on show. The tufts stand clear of the foliage, so the flowers are easy to see and the plant looks lighter.
• Two tone blooms. Dark purple heads with paler purple tufts give depth up close.
• Pollen rich and fragrant. Bees and butterflies are drawn to the scented flowers.
• Heat and drought tolerant. It copes with dry weather and heat, and should survive a light overnight frost once established.

Where it works best

Pots and balconies. A pot or window box on a sunny balcony suits it. Choose a container with drainage holes and a gritty mix.

Rockeries and gravel beds. Tucked between stones it gets the sharp drainage it wants, and the small size leaves space for other plants.

Dwarf edging. Plant 30cm apart in a row for a miniature hedge along a path or in front of taller lavenders.

Growing Berry Beautiful Italian Lavender in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun and free draining soil suit it. It is happiest in dry climates, handles heat and drought, and should survive a light overnight frost once established. In humid regions grow it in a pot or on a raised, gravelly bed. Lower light reduces flowering.

Soil. Avoid wet feet. In the ground, add grit to heavy soil; in a pot, use a free draining mix and terracotta if you can.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly for the first 12 weeks, then step back. Feed once a year after flowering with a slow release fertiliser to keep it compact.

Pruning. Prune twice a year, taking only about a third of the foliage and avoiding old wood. Little plants need a light hand, so snip just below the spent flower heads.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Berry Beautiful Italian Lavender as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Tube stock is the easy way to fill pots or a small bed, and it establishes quickly in warm weather. Tubes and small pots travel well, so unpack them straight away and stand them in a bright, sheltered spot while you prepare the ground. Expect a small, grey leaved plant, with the tufted flowers building up as it grows.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the lavender collection
• Plants that thrive in pots
• Rockery plants
• Lavender care guide for Australia

Common questions

Is it small enough for a balcony?

Yes, at 30cm to 40cm it is one of the smallest lavenders. Give it a sunny spot and a pot with drainage holes, and water only when the top of the mix has dried out.

How far apart should I plant it for edging?

Plant 30cm apart in a single row. The plants will meet into a low, flowering line without crowding each other.

Does it like humid weather?

It is happiest in dry climates. In humid regions, grow it in a pot or on a raised gravelly bed, with plenty of air movement.

Is it safe around cats and dogs?

Not completely. Lavender is mildly toxic to dogs and cats, and a pet that chews a good amount may be sick. We do not list it as pet friendly.